Uruguay, who played a pivotal role in turning soccer into an international
game, make a welcome return to the World Cup after watching the last two
tournaments from the sidelines.

The smallest nation to have won the trophy claimed the 32nd and final
place when they beat Australia 3-1 on aggregate in a play-off after finishing
fifth in the South American qualifying group.

Under the pragmatic coaching of Victor Pua, Uruguay will at the very
least be hoping to emulate their performance in Italy in 1990 when they
reached the last 16 before losing to the hosts. To do so, however, they
must overcome Denmark, Senegal, nto to mention holders France, in Group
A.

Uruguay conceded only 14 goals in 20 qualifiers, illustrating that their
strength clearly lies in a defence which is led by the world-class Paolo
Montero of Juventus.

Behind the back four is the outstanding Fabian Carini, who at 21 has
the potential to become one of the world's great goalkeepers.

Other key players are defensive midfielder Pablo Garcia, attacking midfielder
Alvaro Recoba and the quick and powerful Dario Silva of Malaga up front.

Despite their undoubted attacking qualities, Uruguay scored only 22 goals
- fractionally over one a game - in qualifying, which many commentators
blame on Pua's conservative tactics.

The coach invariably shuts up shop as soon as Uruguay take the lead in
a game.

But Pua, who took over at the start of 2001 after former Argentina captain
Daniel Passarella walked out following a row with directors, argues that
he is adapting to the realities of modern football.

Japan and South Korea will present Uruguay with a chance to reverse a
seemingly endless decline.

The country used to be considered a major force in the game and was among
the pioneers in the creation of the World Cup.

While nations such as England remained in superior isolation in the early
days, Uruguay hosted and won the first tournament in 1930 at the Centenario
stadium which is still used for their home games.

Uruguay were triumphant again in 1950 and reached the semi-finals four
years later but, since then, have adopted a more defensive approach.

Despite continuing to churn out world class players for Europe's biggest
clubs, the country has never managed to recapture the success of the early
years.

They made the semi-finals in 1970 but since then have only appeared at
three more World Cups and never got beyond the last 16.

Uruguay have also acquired a reputation for gamesmanship, violent play
and petulance, which they maintain is undeserved.

Occasionally, though, Uruguay's passion for the game still boils over.
In 2000, the Penarol-Nacional derby at the Centenario ended in a huge
brawl with players kicking and punching each other in the centre circle.

Nine players and the Penarol coach were arrested and spent a week in
police custody as a result.